Former official charged with stealing from union

May. 15, 2018

SCITUATE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island State Police have arrested a former union official they say embezzled more than $100,000 from a union for health care professionals.

Police say 33-year-old Christopher Matteson, of Harrisville, was arrested Tuesday on charges including embezzlement and forgery.

Authorities say Matteson took the money between June 2016 and July 2017 while he was executive director of the United Nurses & Allied Professions of Rhode Island's Stepping Up program. The program provided continuing education and job training for health care workers and allied professionals at Rhode Island Hospital. Union officials say the thefts led to the collapse of the program.

Matteson is in custody and faces arraignment Tuesday. It could not immediately be determined if he has a lawyer.